Prep talk: Early season look at City Section's top baseball teams - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Eric Sondheimer

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Los Angeles Times provides an early season preview of the top high school baseball teams in the City Section, highlighting the strong competition and standout programs to watch. Birmingham and El Camino Real are listed as the No. 1 and No. 2 teams, respectively, with Birmingham boasting a formidable pitching rotation led by sophomore Carlos Acuna and an experienced closer, making them a strong contender for advancing to Dodger Stadium. Meanwhile, El Camino Real, last year’s defending champions, has a solid foundation despite graduating key players, relying on young talent from their junior varsity team stepping up. Other teams like Narbonne, Bell, Sylmar, and Sun Valley Poly are also making waves early in the season. Narbonne secured an important win over Bell, while Bell’s strong performance, highlighted by pitcher Rigoberto Baltazar’s 1-0 victory over Palos Verdes, signals their potential to repeat past successes. Sylmar’s Alex Martinez and Rickee Luevano are poised for big seasons, adding depth to the league. Sun Valley Poly has shown strength with wins over Agoura and Quartz Hill, thanks in part to the return of top pitcher Fabian Bravo. The article also mentions teams like Carson, Cleveland, Venice, and San Fernando as notable contenders. Carson brings experience from the Marine League, while Venice’s Xander Lippman is a key player for the team that finished 29-4 last season. San Fernando is expected to challenge Sylmar in the Valley Mission League. The piece underscores the excitement of the high school baseball season, with teams showcasing their talent and potential to reach the postseason. This coverage matters to readers interested in high school sports as it highlights emerging stars, team dynamics, and league rivalries that shape the City Section’s competitive landscape. By focusing on both established programs and rising teams, the article provides a comprehensive overview of what promises to be an engaging season for baseball fans.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/26/2026